Adjustable dock seal



July 9, 1968 ONEAL 3,391,503

ADJUSTABLE DOCK SEAL 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fig./

Filed May 22, 1967 Larry 07Vea/ IN VENTOR July 9, 1968 1.. ON EAL3,391,503

ADJUSTABLE DOCK SEAL Filed May 22, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.3

Larry OWea/ INVENTOR.

July 9, 1968 L. ONEAL ADJUSTABLE DOCK SEAL 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed May22, 1967 ILIICLIIIIIII I'll I I ll ll l' Larry O'Nea/ INVENTOR.

BY W M! July 9, 1968 1.. ONEAL 3,391,503

ADJUSTABLE DOCK SEAL Filed May 22, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Larry 07Vea/ INVENTOR.

July 9, 1968 L. ONEAL 3,391,503

ADJUSTABLE DOCK SEAL 7 Filed May 22, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Fig' l7 LarryO'Naa/ INVENTOR.

United States Patent Office 3,391,503 Patented July 9, 1968 3,391,503ADJUSTABLE DOCK SEAL Larry ONeal, 549 W. Indianola Ave., Canfield, Ohio44511 Continuation-impart of application Ser. No. 567,103, July 22,1966. This application May 22, 1967, Ser. No. 640,119

23 Claims. (Cl. 522) .ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An elongated inflatabletubular member affixed to a building wall along the two sides and top ofa loading opening therethrough for selective inflation and expansioninto sealed engagement with an adjacent vehicle. The three elongatedsections which go into making up the inflatable member are sointerrelated as to enable, through a selective collapsing thereof, areduction in the size of the member for the accommodation of differentsize vehicles.

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 567,103, filedJuly 22, 1966, for Dock Seal which is in turn a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 432,- 359, filed Feb. 12, 1965, for Inflatable DockSeal, now Patent No. 3,303,615, patented Feb. 14, 1967. Thus, theinstant application is also a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 432,359.

The present invention is concerned with new and useful improvements ininflatable dock seals or covers of the type which can be selectivelyexpanded between a building wall and an adjacent vehicle about theloading and unloading openings therein.

It is a primary object of the instant invention to provide an inflatableloading dock seal or cover which is capable of providing a substantiallycomplete closure of the space between the building and the vehicle so asto effectively seal out drafts, inclement weather, dirt, fumes, etc.while allowing for a proper maintenance of interior temperature andpressure controls during any loading or unloading operation.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also a significant object ofthe instant invention to provide an inflatable dock seal or cover whichis adjustable in nature so as to accommodate variations in the sizes ofthe vehicles to be loaded or unloaded.

Likewise, it is an important object of the instant invention to providean inflatable dock cover which, when deflated, is capable of collapsingcompactly against the building upon which it is mounted.

In addition, it is an object of the instant invention to provide a dockseal which, depending upon the particular form utilized, is engageableagainst the rear end of a truck about the opening therein, or with thesides and top of the truck adjacent the rear end thereof as the vehicleis positioned adjacent the building, and in alignment with the loadingdock thereof.

Basically, the dock cover of the instant invention is in the nature ofan elongated continuous inflatable generally tubular member whichextends at least along the two opposed sides of a building opening andacross the top thereof. The section which spans the top of the openingincludes a longitudinal depending portion which can be selectivelyraised so as to accommodate different heights of vehicles. In addition,in one particular form of the dock cover, the two lateral side sectionscan be selectively collapsed so as to accommodate different widthvehicles.

One other particular embodiment specifically disclosed herein allows anextended seal which projects a substantial distance outwardly from thebuilding wall so as to accommodate the extended loading aprons on eitherthe loading dock itself or on the truck bed.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view, with portions broken away for purposesof illustration of the dock seal comprising the instant invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective detail taken from the interior ofthe mounted seal with the building wall itself removed;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail taken substantially alongthe line 33 in FIGURE 2 with the adjustable top portion fully extended;

FIGURE 4 is .a cross-section similar to FIGURE 3 with the collapsibletop portion completely retracted or collapsed;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective detail of the keeper for the control handle;

FIGURE 6 is a perspective detail of the upper end of the retractingshaft;

FIGURE 7 is a perspective detail of the control handle mount;

FIGURE 8 is a perspective detail of a modified form of strap securingmeans for the retracting mechanism;

FIGURE 9 is a partial perspective view of a modified form of dock cover;

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken substantially on aplane passing along line 10-10 in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a front elevational view, with a portion broken away forpurposes of illustration, of the dock cover of FIGURE 9;

FIGURES 12 and 13 are cross-sectional details illustrating thecollapsible or adjustable nature of the dock seal of FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 14 is an exploded partial elevational vie-w of one side and thetop section of the dock seal of FIG- URE 9;

FIGURE 15 is a partial perspective view of the upper portion of one ofthe vertical sections;

FIGURE 16 is a cross-sectional view, generally similar to FIGURE 10,illustrating a modified manner of mounting the dock seal;

FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of another modified form of dock seal;and

FIGURE 18 is an enlarged cross-sectional detail taken substantiallyalong line 1818 in FIGURE 17.

Referring now more specifically to the invention, reference numeral 20is used to generally designate the dock seal comprising the instantinvention. This dock seal 20, which is in the nature Of an elongatedinflatable generally tubular member, is mounted on the face of abuilding wall 22 about the loading dock for a selective expansion intosealing engagement with an adjacently positioned vehicle. The actualmaterial of the cover 20 is of course to be air impervious in nature andcapable of resisting tears or repeated damaging engagements withvehicles in contact therewith, neoprene coated nylon having been foundto be a particularly desirable material.

The dock seal or cover is actually constructed in three communicatingsections, two vertical sections 2-4 secured to the wall 22 adjacent theopposed vertical sides of the loading dock, and an overhead horizontalsection 26 overlying the wall 22 immediately above the loading dock. Thetwo vertical side sections 24 are constructed in the same manner as thevertical sections in application No. 567,103, and include, in eachinstance, a full length arcuate or substantially circular panel 28, afull length flat mounting panel having the opposed edges thereof securedto the two longitudinal edges of the circular panel 28 so as to define acomplete enclosure, and a pair of laterally directed mounting flanges 32which are fastened directly to the side edges of a framing plan-k 34secured to the wall 22 itself. The side sections 24 also each include afull length internal bulkhead or retaining panel 36 which effects alateral bulging or deformation of the panel 23 inwardly toward the dockopening.

The horizontal top' section 25 differs from the vertical side sections24 in that the section 26 is of an appreciably greater depth, includingwhat might be considered a substantially full length adjustable orcollapsible lower portion 38. A full length transversely extendingapertured bulkhead separates the adjustable lower portion 38 from themain portion of the section 26 which in turn includes a secondtransverse apertured bulkhead '42 utilized in effecting a generallytransverse bulging of the section 26 much in the manner of the sidesections 24. With reference to FIGURES 2 and 3 in particular, it will benoted that the bulkheads 40 and 42 combine so as to presentsubstantially flat inner and outer faces on the top cover section 26which, also similar to the vertical section 24, is secured to ahorizontal frame plank 44 by means of suitable fasteners driven throughfull length laterally projecting flanges 46 which overlie the opposededges of the frame plank 44, this plank 44 of course being rigidlyafiixed to the wall 22 itself.

The main portion of the top section 26, that portion above the bulkhead40, is of substantially the same depth as the side sections 44 and hasthe opposed ends thereof peripherally secured, at approximately a angle,to the top ends of the corresponding side section 24 as will be bestappreciated from FIGURE 1. These ends are of course secured in a mannerwhich provides for a substantially full size opening between thesections, while retaining the air impervious nature of the sections,thus in effect providing for a continuous air chamber through the threesections. The adjustable lower portion 38, on the contrary, has opposedsealed ends 48 which lie closely adjacent the opposed vertical sections24 immediately below the joined upper ends thereof, it beingcontemplated that this lower portion 38- be selectively upwardlycollapsed, noting FIGURE 4, so as to adjust to various height trucks orthe like. Incidentally, at this point it might be well to note that anappropriate relatively small blower (not illustrated) is to beassociated with the dock seal or cover 20 so as to, when the dock seal26 is in use, introduce a constant flow of low pressure air so as tomaintain the inflation of the cover 20- while allowing for a flexingthereof through engagement there-against by the vehicle, and so as toallow for the above referred to adjustment or collapsing of theadjustable portion 38 while still maintaining the generally inflatednature of the cover. This blower can be located in any appropriateposition, such as for example on the mounting panel 50 illustrated inFIGURE 1, and communicated with the interior of the cover 20 through asuitable sleeve '52 sealed to and projecting from the cover.

In order to effect the vertical adjustment of the adjustable lowerportion 38 of the top section 26, an elongated flexible panel 54 has oneedge portion thereof affixed to the lower arcuate face of the adjustableportion 38 and the opposite longitudinal edge portion thereof aflixed toan elongated rotatably mounted rod or shaft 56 for a selective rollingof the panel 54 thereon. The panel 54 extends for substantially the fulllength of the adjustable portion 38 with the actual engagement of thelower edge portion thereof with the arcuate face of the portion 38 beingeffected by a stitching of the lower edge portion of the flap to a strip58 of like material which is in turn glued to the portion '38, therebyavoiding the necessity of stitching directly to the portion 38 andproviding undesirable stitching perforations therethrough. Incidentally,this particular manner of securing is also utilized with regard to theinternal bulkheads 40 and 42. The winding rod 56 has the opposed endsthereof rotatably received within projecting apertured ears 60, eachconstituting an integral portion of a bracket 62 which in additionincludes a horizontal flange 64 bolted or otherwise rigidly affixed justinward of the upper cover section 26 immediately adjacent the upper edgeof the loading dock opening, and preferably directly to the lower edgeof the horizontal frame plank 44 as illustrated in the drawings. Inorder to effect a selective rotation of the shaft or rod 56, and awinding of the flap 54 thereon so as to produce the desired verticaladjustment of the portion '38, an elongated control strap 66 has one endthereof affixed to the rod 56 adjacent one side of the dock opening andhas a major portion of the length thereof wound about the rod 56 withthe second end thereof afiixed to the central portion of a controlhandle 68. The control handle 68 has a first end 70 thereof pivotallymounted, through bracket means 72, on the adjacent vertical edge of thedock opening, or more specifically, on the adjacent inner edge of thevertical frame plank 34, for a swinging movement between the upwardlyextending position of FIGURES 2 and 3 to the depending position ofFIGURE 4, this movement effecting, through an unwinding of the strap 66,a rotation of the shaft 56 in a manner so as to wind the flexible panel54 thereon and effect an upward collapsing of the cover portion 38. Thebracket 72 utilized to pivotally mount the handle 68 is detailed inFIGURE 7 and consists basically of a fiat base 74, screw or boltmounted, and a laterally projecting stub shaft 76 which rotatablyreceives the end 70 of the handle 68 and retains this end between a pairof washer-like elements 78 removably located by a suitable retainingcotter pin 80 or the like.

The constant low pressure present in the cover 20' is sufiicient so asto maintain the adjustable portion 38 fully expanded, while at the sametime allowing for a collapsing of this portion 38 as suggested in FIGURE4, the cover inflating air being forced back through the blower itself.In order to maintain the portion 38 collapsed, a suitable keeper bracket82 is provided for the reception of the downwardly directed controlhandle 68. This keeper bracket 82 includes a fiat base 84 directlyaflixed to the side wall, or in the illustrated example the inner edgeof the side framing plank 34, and an integral laterally spaced overlyingflange 86 which provides a seat or pocket 88 for the reception of thehandle 68. Once the handle 68 is received within the pocket 88, aretaining pin 90 is inserted through aligned holes in the flange 86 andbase 84 so as to prevent a withdrawal of the control handle 68 such aswould automatically result because of the constant pressure present inthe cover section 26. Incidentally, it will be noted that the retainingpin 99 actually extends through an appropriate aperture 92 provided inthe control handle 68 itself. It is contemplated that the section 26,when the lower adjustable portion 38 is completely collapsed asindicated in FIGURE 4, have an effective depth substantially equal tothat of the side sections 24. It will of course be appreciated that thepanel 54 and end strap 66 are wound upon the rotatable shaft 56 inopposite directions so as to enable a winding of the panel 54 inconjunction with an unwinding of the strap 66, and vice versa. Further,if it is deemed desirable that the portion 38 assume a partiallycollapsed position, various means can be utilized to releasably securethe control handle 68 in any location between the extreme position ofFIGURES 3 and 4, for example, a removable retaining pin can engagethrough an appropriate aperture in the control handle 68, near thepivotally mounted end 70 thereof, and into a series of holes provided inthe adjoining side face of the wall 22 which defines the side of theloading dock opening.

In addition, because of the easy manner in which the vertical height ofthe adjustable portion 38 can be manually controlled, this portion 38can actually be collapsed, a truck positioned therebeneat'n, and theportion 38 released for automatic expansion into sealed engagement withthe truck. In other words, by incorporating the vertically adjustablelower portion 38 as an inflatable extension of the horizontal section26, the adaptability of the cover to the accommodation of various heighttrucks has been enhanced substantially beyond that achieved through areliance solely on the flexible nature of the cover itself and the lowpressure inflation thereof, the primary purpose of which is toaccommodate the force of a vehicle coming in contact therewith as thevehicle is positioned for a movement of supplies through the dockopening.

With further regard to the vertical adjustment of the adjustable portion38, attention is directed to FIGURE 8 wherein the free end of thecontrol or adjusting strap 66, rather than being secured to a controlhandle 68, has been provided with a guarded hook 94 for selectiveengagement with a vertical series of keepers 96, in the nature ofeyebolts, affixed to the adjoining plank edge, or for that matter anyadjacent portion of the building wall. In this manner, a rapidadjustment of the height of the portion 38 and a positive retention ofthe portion 38 in its adjusted position can be simply effected.

Referring now specifically to FIGURES 9-15, it will be noted that amodified form of dock seal has been illustrated therein, this dock seal100 including both an adjustable horizontal upper section 102 and a pairof opposed laterally adjustable vertical sections 104. The dock cover orseal 100 is mounted in a manner differing slightly from that of thecover 20 with the particular mounting of the cover 100 making it moreadaptable for engagement with the sides of the truck or vehicle havingthe rear end thereof positioned immedately adjacent the loading dockopening. Basically, the planks 106 which define the mounting frame 108for the cover 100 are positioned so as to project perpendicularlyoutward from the outer face 109 of the building wall 22. These planks106 are positioned outward of the opening defining edges 110 and arerigidified by rigid angled braces 112 having one end thereof aflixed tothe wall 22 itself and the other end thereof afiixed to thecorresponding frame plank 106 adjacent its outer edge. It iscontemplated that the opposed ends of the top plank 106 be rigidlyaffixed to the upper ends of the side planks 106 so as to furtherrigidity the mounting frame 108. Further, other appropriate securingmembers can be provided as needed for this purpose.

The cover 100 itself includes, with regard to each of the sections 102and 104, a full length flat mounting panel 114 overlying the inner faceof the corresponding frame plank 106 and an arcuate panel 116 secured tothe flat mounting panel 114 and bowing outwardly therefrom so as todefine a generally tubular configuration. A full length aperturedbulkhead or shape retaining panel 118 is also provided interiorly withineach section so as to retain each section against any substantiallateral bulging so as to provide generally flat inner and outer faceswith the major expansion being perpendicularly inward toward the loadingdock. Each of the sections 102 and 104 is, similar to the other forms ofdock cover, provided with a pair of 'rearwardly directed mounting flapsor flanges 120. As will be best appreciated from FIGURE 10, while theouter one of the mounting flanges 120 is affixed to the outer edge ofthe mounting plank 106, the inner mounting flange 120 is inwardly bentand secured directly to the inner face of the plank 106. In effectingthis mounting, the inner flange 120 is first secured and the cover thenpositioned over the plank 106 and the outer flange 120 secured Attentionis particularly directed to FIGURES 12-15 wherein the joint constructionbetween the top section 102 and each of the vertical sections 104 hasbeen detailed, this joint construction and the unique construction ofthe individual sections, making possible an automatic adjustment of thecover 100 to variations in both width and height of the receivedvehicles while at the same time providing for a positive leak-proof sealtherewith. The upper end of each of the vertical sections 104, as wellas the opposed ends of the top section 102 define a substantially 45angle inwardly from the outer ends to approximately a central pointindicated by reference numeral 122 with the remainder of each projectingperpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the corresponding section soas to define a flat end portion 124. The particular nature of thisconstruction will be best appreciated from the perspective view ofFIGURE 15 wherein it will be noted that the fiat closed end portion 124forms what might be considered a right angular extension 126 of thecorresponding section beyond the beveled end on the inner portionthereof. The outer portion of each of these section ends, that definedat the 45 angle, includes an enlarged aperture 128 therethroughsurrounded by a securing flange 130. Each of the upper section ends isabutted against the corresponding side section end with the mountingflanges 130 in overlying relation to each other, these abutted flangesthen being sealed to each other in an air impervious manner completelyabout the aligned apertures 128 as will be readily appreciated from thesectional details of FIGURES 12 and 13. When the sections 102 and 104are secured in this manner, it will be appreciated that all threesections have the interior air receiving chambers thereof in directcommunication with each other whereby a single low pressure blower willeflect a simultaneous inflation of all of the sections of the cover 100.Further, upon an inflation of all of the sections 102 and 104, andassuming no introduction of external pressure such as would result froma truck engaging thereagainst, the sections, at the joined ends thereof,will assume approximately a 45 angle completely therethrough, theopposed extensions 126 tending to inflate equally, or conversely tocollapse equally at an equalized point corresponding to the angle of thesecured portions of the section ends. Incidentally, it will of course beappreciated that the abutting extensions 126 are not secured to eachother, but rather, are in free abutting engagement.

This equalization of expansion of the adjoining extensions 126 will benoted in FIGURES 9 and 11, while FIGURE 14 illustrates two adjoiningsections 102 and 104 prior to an air impervious joining of the angledupper portions thereof and a partial collapsing of the lower extensionportions 126 thereof.

The significance of these independent collapsible extensions 126 will beappreciated from FIGURES 12 and 13. With reference to FIGURE 12 inparticular, such illustrates the presence of a truck body 132 of a widthso as to, upon being accommodated between the two vertical side sections104, effect an inward crushing or collapsing of these side sections 104.Upon an inward collapsing of the corresponding side section 104, it willbe noted that the adjoining top section extension 126 will expand andfollow the collapsed side section 104 so as to retain a generally rightangular relationship therewith, this being generally denoted byreference numeral 134. In this manner, a continuous seal is provided atthe corner between the side and top of the truck or vehicle body 132. Bythe same token, inasmuch as the top and side sections 102 and 104 are,at the joints therebetween, interlocked or bonded together for onlyapproximately one-half the depth thereof, this in itself will facilitatethe positive inward collapsing of the corresponding sections withoutaffecting the joint between the sections and while retaining a positiveairflow permitting communication between the sections.

FIGURE 13 illustrates a generally like situation wherein the truck body132 is of a greater than normal height, thereby collapsing the topsection 102 with the end extension 126 of each of the side sections 104expanding so as to retain their generally right angular relationshipwith the collapsed upper section 102, thereby effectively retaining apositive sealed relationship with the truck body 132.

In light of this ability of the sections 102 and 104 to laterallycollapse upon engagement with a rigid object such as the body of anunloading vehicle, such sections are in effect automatically adjustableso as to accommodate different size vehicles, the low pressure nature ofthe introduced air also cooperating so as to provide for this automaticaccommodation of the cover sections to the vehicle in a substantiallysealed manner thereabout. Further, with regard to this particular formof the invention, in most instances the vehicle 132 will be backed intoposition prior to an inflation of the cover 160 in order that the coversections 102 and 104 might inflate into engagement with the sides of thevehicle 132 about the loading and unloading rear end thereof with thesections 102 and 104 automatically accommodating themselves to the sidesand top of the vehicle in a snug and seal defining manner regardless ofvariations in the width or height of the vehicle, of course withinspecific ranges.

Turning specifically to FIGURE 11, it will be noted that in order toeffect a compact collapsing of the sections 102 and 104, variousinternal elongated elastic cords 136 and 138 are provided. The elasticcords 136 are utilized interiorly within the horizontal top section 102and have the opposed ends 138 thereof fixed to the interior of the flatmounting panel 114 at longitudinally spaced points with the intermediateportion 140 thereof extending through a loop member 142 affixed to theinner surface of the remote arcuate face of the arcuate panel 116 at apoint centrally between the two secured ends 138. A series of such cords136 are provided along a substantial portion of the length of the topsection 102. The elastic cords 138 are located in the lower portions ofthe side sections 104, at least one in each. Each cord 138 has a firstend 144 thereof afiixed to the corresponding mounting panel adjacent thelower end of the section 104 and the second end 146 affixed to the innersurface of the inwardly projecting arcuate face at an intermediate pointalong the height of the section 104. It will of course be appreciatedthat these elastic straps 136 and 138, while possessing sufficientelasticity so as to effect an inward collapsing of the sections 102 and104 upon a turning off of the blower, do not interfere with the freeexpansion of the sections 102 and 104 under the contemplated relativelylow pressure which will be continuously supplied when the cover is beingused. The straps 136 of course operate so as to pull the upper section102 upwardly so as to generally clear the loading dock opening, whilethe side cords 138 pull the collapsed side sections 104 laterally awayfrom the dock opening so as to maintain the dock opening substantiallyfree of obstructions, this being particularly desirable when positioninga vehicle with the interior thereof in communication with the loadingdock. Incidentally, utilizing the dock cover or seal 100, it will beappreciated that an exact centering of the vehicle is not necessary inthat one side section 104 can expand a greater amount than the other inlight of the manner in which the inner longitudinal portions of allthree sections are laterally collapsible while retaining a substantiallyright angular relationship between the sections at the joining endsthereof.

Turning now to FIGURE 16, it will be noted that the cover 100 andassociated mounting frame 108 are also particularly adapted for use inconjunction with loading docks wherein the loading dock includes apermanent projecting wall portion 150 thereabout so as to define aweather shield. In this situation, both mounting flaps or flanges 120will be affixed to the opposite longitudinal edges of the mounting plank106 which will in turn be aflixed directly against the inner face of theshield or wall portion 150.

Attention is now directed to FIGURES 17 and 18 wherein a final form ofinflatable dock seal to be described has been illustrated. This form ofcover, generally indicated by reference numeral 152, is particularlyadapted so as to enable the accommodation of either a loading dock apronor a truck apron and still engage against the sides or end portion of avehicle. In other words, the apron will project outwardly from thebuilding wall or truck to preclude any actual movement of the trucksufficiently close to the opening so as to be accommodated by, as anexample, the dock seal of FIGURE 1. Accordingly, the dock cover 152 isso defined as to project a substantial distance outwardly from thebuilding wall prior to being directed laterally inward for engagementwith the truck.

The dock cover or seal 152, in addition to the flat mounting panel 156and rearwardly directed mounting flanges 158 which engage and aresecured to the opposite longitudinal edges of a framing plank 160,includes a full length forwardly projecting area defining panel 162. Thepanel 162 itself includes a pair of laterally spaced generally parallelwalls 164 for projecting forwardly from the frame plank 169 for adistance contemplated to project slightly beyond the particular apron154 involved. The panel walls 164 are maintained parallel through theutilization of a pair of internal apertured bulkheads or flexibleretaining panels 166. Immediately forward of the outer edge of theapron, the two panel walls 164 terminate in a generally bulbous orarcuate panel portion 168 which, through the apertured bulkhead 170, hasa substantial section thereof projected laterally inward across thetruck receiving opening. This bulkhead 170 is secured to the leadingedge of the inner panel wall 164 and is engaged with what wouldapproximately be the leading portion of the arcuate portion 168 in amanner so as to inwardly draw this central portion so as to achieve thedesired lateral bulging for flexible engagement with a received vehiclebody. In order to effect this, it will of course be appreciated that thebulkhead 170 is relatively narrow as compared to the depth of the armateportion 168 forward of the outermost bulkhead 166.

While not specifically illustrated, it should be appreciated that theinwardly bulged portions of the cover 152 can constitute collapsiblechambers in the manner detailed supra with regard to the modification ofFIGURES 9-16. Further, various types of elastic suspension straps willalso in all probability be utilized with the cover 152 so as to allowfor a compact collapsing of the cover against the building duringperiods of non-use.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that significant improvementsin dock covers or seals have been set forth, such improvements beingparticularly directed to the accommodation of a variety of situations,including different height and width vehicles and the presence of theloading apron, either on the loading dock or the vehicle itself. Thecover itself is mountable upon the face of a building, such as forexample a warehouse, in surrounding relation to a loading dock, and isselectively inflatable, utilizing a relatively low pressure for sealingengagement between the building and an adjacent vehicle during loadingoperations. In each instance, the dock cover is so mounted as to projectinwardly toward or across a portion of the dock opening for engagementwith a positioned vehicle, this inward projection of at least a portionof the dock cover being effected through either the utilization of atleast one transverse bulkhead so as to effect an inward bulging of thedock cover or through the utilization of a mounting frame projectingperpendicularly outward from the wall whereby the seal, positioned onthe mounting frame, can project generally parallel to the surface of thewall and inwardly across the edge portion of the dock opening.Incidentally, while not specifically noted supra, it should of course beappreciated that the dock seal can also be extended so as to underliethe dock opening should such be deemed necessary.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention asclaimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A wall having an opening defined through one face thereof, anelongated inflatable dock cover extending about a major portion of theborder of said opening, said cover comprising an elongated hollowgenerally tubular member, means engaging said cover along the fulllength thereof and mounting said cover on said wall adjacent saidopening, and flexible means positioned within said member and orientatedtransversely thereacross in a lane generally outward from the plane ofthe wall face, said flexible means having the opposite extremitiesthereof secured to the opposite portions of said member so as to limitthe inflated expansion of said member perpendicular to said wall faceand encourage an inflation produced expansion of said member toward saidopening.

2. A wall having an opening defined through one face thereof, anelongated inflatable seal mounted on said wall and extending about amajor portion of the border of said opening, said seal including opposedvertical sections positioned adjacent the sides of said opening, and ahorizontal top section positioned adjacent the top of said opening, atleast one of said sections having a full length outer portion therealongprojecting across the adjoining opening border toward said opening, saidprojecting portion being selectively retractable along the full lengththereof while generally retaining the corresponding section in aninflated state.

3. The structure of claim 2 wherein said retractable full length portionis associated with the top section, and means for effecting a selectedretraction of the portion and retaining the portion in a selectedretracted position.

4. The structure of claim 3 wherein said means for effecting a selectedretraction of the portion does so by an upward collapsing of the portionagainst the inflating pressure within the top section.

5. The structure of claim 4 wherein the means for effecting a retractionof the portion includes an elongated shaft rotatably mounted parallel tothe collapsible upper section portion at a raised elevation relativethereto, a flexible panel secured to the collapsible portion along thelower extent thereof and extending therefrom into fixed engagement withsaid shaft for a selective winding of the flexible panel on said shaftin response to a rotation of said shaft and a corresponding upwarddrawing of the collapsible portion, and means for selectively effectinga rotation of said shaft.

6. The structure of claim 5 wherein the means for rotating said shaftcomprises a flexible strap wound about an end portion of said shaft inthe opposite direction from that of the flexible panel whereby a pull onsaid strap will effect a panel winding rotation of said shaft and arelease of said strap will effect, through the inflation pressure withinsaid top section, an unwinding of said panel and a winding of said strapon said shaft, and means for releasably aflixing said strap in at leastone position for maintaining said shaft against rotation.

7. The structure of claim 2 wherein all three sections include fulllength retractable portions extending inwardly toward the opening beyondthe associated opening border.

8. The structure of claim 7 wherein the portion associated with the topsection has the opposite ends thereof scaled and in abutting engagementwith the adjacent upper ends of the vertical section portions, saidabutting adjacent ends being, in the absence of a retraction of any ofthe sections, mutually collapsed so as to define an angle ofapproximately forty-five degrees therebetween and a corresponding rightangular corner between the outer faces of the adjacent portions, each ofsaid portion ends being selectively expandable, through the internalinflating pressure, upon a retraction of the portion associated wtih theadjacent section in a manner so as to maintain the right angle cornerbetween the adjacent portion faces.

9. The structure of claim 8 including mounting means comprising amounting frame rigid with said wall and projecting perpendicularlyoutward therefrom so as to define a face directed laterally toward saidwall opening, said sections being secured to said frame face andprojecting perpendicularly therefrom toward said opening. 1

10. A dock cover mountable about a loading dock opening within a wall,said dock cover including a pair of laterally spaced vertical sidesections and a horizontal top section extending between said sidesections adjacent the upper ends thereof, said top section beingvertically adjustable between and independent of said side sections soas to vary the effective height of the dock cover while maintaining apredetermined width between the side sections, and means for effectingan independent vertical adjustment of said top section.

11. The structure of claim 10 wherein said cover is of an inflatableflexible air impervious material, said sections being in airflowpermitting communication with each other so as to enable the utilizationof a single source of inflation producing pressurized air.

12. A dock cover mountable about a loading dock opening within a wall,said dock cover including a pair of laterally spaced vertical sidesections and a horizontal top section extending between said sidesections adjacent the upper ends thereof, said top section beingvertically adjustable between said side sections so as to vary theeffective height of the dock cover, and means for effecting a verticaladjustment of said top section, said cover being of an inflatableflexible air impervious material, said sections being in airflowpermitting communication with each other so as to enable the utilizationof a single source of inflation producing pressurized air, saidvertically adjustable top section including a collapsible full lengthinflatable lower portion, said means for vertically adjusting said topsection doing so by selectively collapsing said lower portion.

13. The structure of claim 12 wherein said means for verticallyadjusting said top section comprises an elongated rotatably mountableshaft positionable above said collapsible lower portion, flexible meansengaged between the lower portion and the shaft for a selective windingon said shaft upon rotation of said shaft and a corresponding upwarddrawing of the lower portion and means for effecting a selectiverotation of said shaft.

14. An inflatable dock cover including a pair of opposed vertical sidesections and a horizontal top section extending between the upperextremities of said vertical side sections, said dock cover beingmountable about a loading dock opening for sealing engagement with avehicle positioned adjacent thereto, each of said sections being definedby adjacent longitudinal inner and outer portions forming a commoninternal air chamber, the opposed ends of the inner portion of the topsection being secured to the upper end of the inner portion of eachadjacent vertical section in an air flow permitting manner for themovement of air therebetween, the opposite ends of each outer portionbeing independently sealed and free of any other outer portion endsadjacent thereto for independent movement.

15. A structure of claim 14 wherein each of said outer section portionsare selectively collapsible laterally toward the adjacent inner portion.

16. The structure of claim 15 wherein the free sealed ends of the outerportion of the top section abut the upper free sealed ends of thevertical sections at approximately a 45 angle so as to define a rightangle corner between the outer faces of the adjacent outer portions,each of these abutted sealed ends being selectively extensible upon acollapsing of the outer portion associated with the adjacent end so asto effect a general retention of the right angular corner relationshipbetween the adjacent outer portion faces.

17. The structure of claim 16 including a rigid mounting frame, saidmounting frame including a planar face orientatable in a planeperpendicular to that of the loading dock opening laterally thereof,said dock cover including, as a part of the inner portion of eachsection, a flat mounting panel overlying the frame face, and meansaflixing the cover to the frame.

18. The structure of claim 16 wherein the inner portion of each sectionis mountable so as to project per pendicularly outward from the plane ofthe dock opening, the outer portion associated with each sectionextending laterally therefrom toward said opening.

19. The structure of claim 1 wherein said cover initially extendsperpendicularly outward from said wall and subsequently terminates inthe portion directed inwardly toward said opening across the borderthereof.

20. The structure of claim 1 including elastic retracting strap meansmounted internally within said member for effecting a compact collapsingthereof.

21. The structure of claim 10 wherein said vertically adjustable topsection includes a collapsible full length inflatable lower portion,said means for vertically adjusting said top section doing so byselectively collapsing said lower portion.

22. A wall having an opening defined through one face thereof, anelongated inflatable dock cover extending about a substantial portion ofthe border of said opening, said cover comprising an elongated hollowmember, means mounting said cover on said wall adjacent said opening,and flexible means positioned within said member and orientatedtransversely thereacross in a plane generally outward from the plane ofthe wall face, said flexible means having the opposite extremitiesthereof secured to the opposite portions of said member so as to limitthe inflated expansion of said member perpendicular to said Wall faceand encourage an inflation produced expansion of said member toward saidopening.

23. For engagement with a wall about an opening defined therein, anelongated inflatable dock cover of a length so as to extend about asubstantial portion of the border of an associated opening, said covercomprising an elongated inflatable hollow flexible member, means on saidcover for mounting said cover on an adjacent wall, flexible meanspositioned within and extending longitudinally along said member andorientated transversely thereacross, and means securing the transverselyopposed edges of said flexible means to opposed portions of the hollowmember so as to limit the inflated expansion of said member in the planeof the flexible means and encourage an inflation produced expansion ofsaid member laterally of the flexible means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,939,467 6/1960 Meyer et al. 522

REINALDO P. MACHADO, Primary Examiner.

